Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging services are provided at the Midland site of Georgian Bay General Hospital by highly skilled professional staff. Georgian Bay General Hospital uses the state-of-the-art Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

The implementation of PACS at Georgian Bay General Hospital has meant: improved turn-around-time for processing and results; improved security for patient records; no lost ‘films’; and, images are always available for the physician to view.

The introduction of digital x-ray has also meant the images are available faster, of better quality and quickly available to speed up diagnosis and treatment so the impact on patient outcomes is tremendous.

Please Note: Patients should arrive early for your appointment. Registration takes place in the main lobby using a numbering system. Diagnostic Imaging is located on the main floor just down the hall from registration.

Diagnostic Imaging services available include:

Radiology (routine x-rays)

Gastric Studies

Ultrasound

CT Scans

Bone Densitometry

All examinations require a physician’s order and you must have a valid health card. (Remember to check the expiration date on your health card to ensure it is still valid!)

Patient Records and Reports

Patients wishing to take their CDs to another facility for consultation must request them 24 hours in advance and pick them up at the Midland site during normal business hours.

Routine Radiology (x-ray)

Routine Radiology services are performed for inpatients, outpatients and emergency. Routine outpatients may experience a significant wait should an emergency situation occur.

Gastric Studies

Stomach and bowel examinations require an appointment and special preparations by the patient.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound equipment using high frequency sound waves includes colour doppler. This upgraded technology examines abdominal and pelvic organs, veins and smaller structures such as the thyroid gland, testicles and breasts.

CT Scans

GBGH brought its new 64-slice CT Scan on-line in 2005. CT uses x-rays manipulated by a computer to produce images of a patient’s anatomy. CT can best be explained by thinking of the body as a loaf of sliced bread. As the body passes through the gantry (the tunnel in the centre of the scanner) each slice is recorded by a combination of x-rays and a computer that the technologist can manipulate to enhance specific areas for diagnosis.

Bone Densitometry

Diagnostic imaging services include bone densitometry testing. Lower back and hip images are taken to diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone degenerative disease associated with the aging process.